Remembering and honoring the brave policemen who laid down their lives in the line of duty, Police Commemoration day was observed by Ladakh Police on October 21 at Police Line, Choglamsar.

From September 1, 2021, till 31st August 2022, 264 Police personnel have laid down their lives while on duty.  Saluting the spirits of police forces and their families and brave police martyred who lost their lives fighting for the country, Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur said, “Today we are gathered here on this solemn occasion to remember the sacrifices of all the policemen in the country who laid their lives during the discharge of their duties in fighting against terrorism, crime, saving life from disaster and different situations.”

R K Mathur reiterated the importance of observing Police Commemoration Day. He said that the day has a special significance for Ladakh as it was on this day that ten police personnel out of 20 led by DSP Karam Singh from ITBF sacrificed their lives while defending the country from the Chinese attack at the hot spring near Chushul. The incident, he said, enraged the entire country and their sacrifices are still remembered through National Police Commemoration Day.

Five policemen from Ladakh who sacrificed their lives while fighting the terrorist in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir were also remembered. 

Mathur further stated that the Police play a crucial role in controlling law and order for the overall development of the country and serve the people tirelessly round the clock. He stated Ladakh Police the ‘Youngest police force’ in the country and is a fully independent force in terms of manpower.  Ladakh Police is working actively against drugs, cybercrime, financial fraud, crime against women, and many others, he added.

 He also highlighted the continuous training imparted to the police personnel for hijack situations, infiltration, disaster, etc. He said that the 112 emergency helpline number launched by Ladakh Police benefits the public, helps in maintaining law and order and crime, and in mitigating natural disasters.

Mathur lauded the efforts and role of all forces including police, ITBP, and CISF for making Ladakh a safe and peaceful Union Territory.

ADGP, SS Khandare also spoke about the importance of the Police Commemoration day and expressed gratitude to all the martyrs who laid down their life. 

Rich tribute was paid to all the brave policemen who lost their lives during various insurgencies and in different situations and emergencies while performing their duty. Paying solidarity with the families of martyr policemen, a token of respect and encouragement was also presented.
A blood donation camp was also organised by Ladakh Police during the event.   

On October 21, 1959, 20 Indian soldiers were attacked by the heavily armed Chinese troops in Hot Spring Ladakh, 10 valiant policemen were martyred in this uneven confrontation and seven were imprisoned. After a month, on November 28, 1959, Chinese troops handed over the dead bodies of the martyred policemen. The bodies were cremated with full honor at Hot Spring in Ladakh. The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories held in January 1960 decided that October 21 would henceforth be observed as ‘Commemoration Day’  or ‘Martyr’s Day’.